During the sale of the high $$ 70-442 W30
May 19th, 2019, 06:31 PM
#1
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During the sale of the high $$ 70-442 W30
at Mecum yesterday one the the commentators stated that the highest HP engine made by Oldsmobile was factory built for a Tornado. If correct, what year? I think he stated it was rated at 400 HP. If true, I had forgotten that tidbit.
May 19th, 2019, 07:37 PM
#2
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Yes, in 1970 the HP numbers were higher for the Toro than for the W-30. Much discussion over the years around how the HP numbers correlated to insurance HP to weight ratios.
442 W-30 weighed around 3700 pounds, engine rated at 370 HP
Toronado weighed around 4000 pounds, engine rated at 400 HP.
See the trend?
None of this is realistic, it's just a numbers game to work the system in place at the time.
442 W-30 weighed around 3700 pounds, engine rated at 370 HP
Toronado weighed around 4000 pounds, engine rated at 400 HP.
See the trend?
None of this is realistic, it's just a numbers game to work the system in place at the time.
May 19th, 2019, 08:08 PM
#3
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Location: St. Paul Minnesota
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Fun, you are very correct on the HP/weight ratio. The W-30 coupe was 3707 pounds, just under 10 to 1. The insurance companies were charging huge premiums on "performance cars''. Ask me how I know. 
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